School of Arts and Sciences
In the School of Arts and Sciences, students have the opportunity to study in one or more of over 60 majors and minors spanning every discipline from Biopsychology to Peace & Justice Studies to Drama. For students who wish to combine several different disciplines into one distinctive major, they may elect to design a customized major under the Plan of Study program. After the completion of 34 courses, students in the School of Arts and Sciences are awarded either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree within their area(s) of concentration. Whether they are in the chemistry laboratory, on an archaeological dig, or interning at a local TV station, students learn to interpret data critically, make compelling arguments, and base conclusions on evidence. Most importantly, students learn the intellectual skills needed to make decisions that will strongly impact our rapidly changing world.The foundation of a Tufts liberal arts education rests on the ability to communicate effectively and to use a foreign language. Students are expected to complete two freshman writing courses and study at least one foreign language/foreign culture during their time at Tufts. In addition, students take one semester-long course in World Civilizations. These courses are intentionally included in the Liberal Arts curriculum to offer students a global perspective and deepen their understanding of their role as citizens of the world.
In addition to the six-course requirement in foreign language/foreign culture, students in the School of Arts and Sciences must fulfill a set of distribution requirements before being awarded a diploma. Distribution requirements, which can be completed at any time between freshman and senior year, fall within the following areas:
- Arts
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Natural Science
- Social Science
Two courses in each discipline are required so that students can understand the breadth and depth of human knowledge as it has developed over the centuries. Since the requirements are "distribution" and not part of a core curriculum, students are permitted to choose among many courses, including those in the Experimental College, that will fulfill the credit.
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering offers ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degrees in seven areas:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
The school also offers additional degree options, including
- Biomedical Engineering
- Engineering Psychology
- Architectural Studies
- Environmental Health
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering
In addition, there are numerous minor options for students to choose from in both liberal arts and engineering. Most engineering graduates go on to become professionals and leaders in technical fields; however many students in the School of Engineering are also preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, law, business, public health, human factors, urban planning, and management. Students in engineering often create a variety of interdisciplinary programs by combining their studies with courses and programs in liberal arts or with the Tufts Gordon Institute. Under the guidance of senior professors, students work alongside their peers in project-based teams to develop the problem-solving skills they need to become leaders in any discipline. At Tufts, engineering students gain far more than an outstanding education. They enjoy the rich, varied culture of a world-class university.
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree, 38 courses in a combination of distribution and elective courses are required. The curriculum layout is typically as follows:
Introductory Course Requirements
4 Mathematics
1 Physics with lab
1 Chemistry with lab
1 Physics or Chemistry
1 Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Geology
2 Engineering computing courses (one and one half total credits)
1 half-credit elective course in introductory engineering
1 English
Foundation Requirements (five to nine total; as determined by the department)
Foundation courses can be selected from the following areas of study: engineering science, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and physics/astronomy. Two of the eight credits may be in either mathematics, applied mathematics or approved sciences.
Concentration Requirements (eleven to twelve total; as determined by the department)
Courses that complete the concentration requirements are determined by individual Engineering departments and vary according to your major. Please check with the specific departments for more detailed information.
Humanities/Social Science Requirements (five total)
Students in the School of Engineering will meet with their faculty advisor to plan out their five humanities/social science requirements, as the courses must be taken in the form of an "intellectual cluster" that promotes both breadth and depth of intellectual development. The courses selected include a minimum of one credit in the humanities and one credit in the social sciences. All levels of foreign language and English are accepted for the arts/humanities requirement. Courses excluded from the list are studio art, applied music, drama and dance.
Free Elective Requirements (two total)
These two courses can be chosen without restriction.
For more details on Engineering courses, majors, and requirements, please visit the School of Engineering website.
Today
(So I actually feel like this) Webcomic by Chase Gregory, Class of 2012
